Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that is usually caused by an infection. It can attack any age group and it can be life threatening.Anyone can get pneumonia even the young and fit.
However, it is more common and usually more serious in the very young and the elderly. It can be more serious with people who smoke and especially anyone weakened by long-term illness, especially if the illness interferes with the body’s normal defenses against infection.
There are many different germs that can cause the infection which results in pneumonia.
Some germs, particularly viruses, are breathed into the lungs because they are present in the air; it is an infection and can be passed on by other people especially if they have the infection and are coughing or sneezing. Others, including some bacteria, already live in the throat.
They are not usually harmful but they may get into the lungs if you are ill or weakened by a virus. Some of the rarer types of pneumonia can arise from unusual sources. The germs which cause Legionnaires disease are sometimes found in faulty air-conditioning systems or water showers. And you can get the germ that causes psittacosis from sick parrots.
The symptoms of pneumonia are similar to flu, people with pneumonia usually feel ill, feverish and off their food they almost always have a cough and they may be short of breath with a feeling of tightness in the chest. Sometimes you can feel a sharp pain in the side, which is worse when you breathe. This can happen if the infection also involves the lining of the lung. This condition is called pleurisy. If you feel this pain, you should definitely see a doctor.
Antibiotics are usually given in the treatment of pneumonia. It is important to drink a lot of fluids and pain killers may be needed to ease the pain and discomfort. If you are a smoker, it is very important to stop.
Most people with pneumonia can be treated at home by their GP but about one person in six is ill enough to need more specialized care in hospital.
Most people do make a complete recovery but a feeling of tiredness and lethargy can last for some time after the illness and in some cases it can last for several weeks.
In general, pneumonia is not contagious, but the upper respiratory viruses that lead to it are, so it is best to keep children and anyone in low health away from someone who has an upper respiratory tract infection. If someone in your home has a respiratory infection or throat infection, keep his or her drinking glass and eating utensils separate from those of other family members, and wash your hands frequently, especially if you are handling used tissues or dirty handkerchiefs.
Flu and pneumonia injections are available to the elderly and ill people who are vulnerable, these are available from your doctors surgery.
